COMMUNITY CONNECTOR THE DOROTHY LEY HOSPICE YOUR HOSPICE NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2016 DLH CONNECTOR www.dlhospice.org Volunteer, Donate, Spread the Word. Join The Dorothy Ley Hospice Team Today arried 62 years, Brian and Molly Curran’s love story was one for the ages, and one their 6 children will treasure for a lifetime. When Molly fell ill nearly ten years ago, it was her doting husband Brian who was by her side, caring for her and arranging for assistance within their home so that she would always be comfortable. After many years, it became apparent that Brian could no longer take care of his wife in their home. A family friend advised Brian that The Dorothy Ley Hospice was the best place for Molly. When Residential Services Manager, Mary Keeber visited Brian and Molly it was apparent that Molly’s condition was rapidly deteriorating, so much so that she could no longer be cared for in her home. Mary explained to the Curran family how the intake process would work, and that there could be a wait time before a room would be ready for Molly. In addition to the Community Programs and Services offered, the Dorothy Ley Hospice has a residential ten bed Hospice facility which provides a home like environment and round the clock care to those at end of life. The Curran family expected to wait anywhere from 2-5 days before receiving a call. Imagine their surprise when after only 3 hours Mary called to tell them the good news; a room had become available for Molly. “If only you could have seen my father’s face when they told him mum had a room at Dorothy Ley Hospice.” From the moment they arrived, the family was impressed. “If you looked twice, you would’ve thought you were on a cruise ship. Everyone is so amazing and they truly love the people they serve. Right down to Susanna who washes the floor, she does her job with such joy and love.” – Jane Dineen, daughter The Curran family was so impressed with the care they received that they wanted to share their story in hopes that others may have the opportunity to access the services at Dorothy Ley Hospice that they feel so fortunate to have received. “Nothing is too much to ask, but you never have to ask. Everything is anticipated.” Molly’s daughter Jane recalled a special time when Dr. Haq, one of the Community Physicians affiliated with the Hospice came to visit her mum. Jane was so pleased to see Dr. Haq kneel down beside her mum’s bed when he spoke to her so she would not even need to move her head. The family appreciated his approach and his time; he never made them feel rushed or as though he was in a hurry. Jane recalled an especially moving moment, when she witnessed a nurse who was sitting with her mum, lovingly stroking her face. “You cannot put a price on love and care. The only tears we’ve had are tears of joy. This is not a sad time for us; we take comfort in knowing that mum’s pain is addressed before she can even think of it.” For Brian and his six adult children, they will be forever grateful to the friends they’ve made at Dorothy Ley Hospice. “From the cleanliness, to the quality of the food, all the personal touches, and the volunteers who made homemade soups for mum, we’ve felt as though they were all looking after us too.” Molly’s daughter recalled a time her mum woke, confused and unsure of her surroundings. “I told mum, you’re at the Hospice. She smiled, and asked me how she got to be so lucky.” One night when leaving the Hospice, Brian’s children asked if he would be upset if Molly passed and he was not there, to which Brian replied “absolutely not. She has so many people here for her, she is surrounded by angels.” Molly Curran passed away February 10, 2016. On behalf of everyone at The Dorothy Ley Hospice, we wish to thank Jane Dineen, Molly’s daughter for sharing her story. SURROUNDED BY HER HOSPICE ANGELS Left to Right: Terry (PSW), Molly Curran, Celia, Molly’s daughter (top right), Jane, molly’s daughter (bottom right)